As gas prices skyrocket, a local university is trying to save money, and keep the air clean by abandoning gas guzzlers for electric vehicles. They won an award for it.

The loud gas-burning carts on UNC-Charlotte used for maintenance and getting around campus are being replaced by electric vehicles.

In 2005, the university stated buying electric vehicles. Now they have a fleet of 56. Workers are starting to drive flex fuel vehicles like a E-85 burning pickup truck. Part of its fuel is made from corn.

Fleet manager Larry Lane said UNC Charlotte already has 23 flex fuel vehicles and orders for more. They have helped the university cut petroleum use on campus by 20%.

“We strive to be leaders and show the community we can reduce dependence of foreign petroleum based fuels,” Lane said.

For their efforts, the Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition's recently gave UNC Charlotte a clean cities award for the use of alternative fuel and electric vehicles.

Lane said they're just doing what makes sense for the environment and for their budget.

“It’s a lot cheaper for us to electric vehicles than gas vehicles. Also maintenance and operating cost much lower on electric vehicles. Also reduce pollutants putting into the air from our fleet,” Lane said.